Every day. That’s how often I’ve learned something this summer. No, it’s not like the learning I do on campus, but it’s learning nonetheless. It’s also just as important. I feel like everything I take part in and everyone I meet teaches me something. I’ve never had such a desire to learn as I do this summer!
Studying abroad taught me so much about Europe because I was actually experiencing it. Then the process of creating my class project showed me more of what I want from my future. This trip is likely what jumpstarted my desire to learn for the rest of the summer.
The tiny dancers I’ve taught at the studio reveal to me why I love teaching dance. The young men and women I met during Faith’s wedding have shown me what strength in your faith can do. I’m learning new dance routines through the team I joined and soon will be teaching classes again. Every day I work, I learn something new – there is so much to learn there!
I learn from my mother, who reveals life lessons to me and her secrets for finding medical solutions. I learn from my father, especially when he’s explaining to me how to noodle a snapping turtle. My sister will always be able to teach me something because of her spirit and passion for life.
My friends from my Bible study are spending their summers working for the Lord and, at the same time, encouraging me on my walk with Him. Especially the sweet girl I’ve been communicating with this summer, also from my B’stud; her heart and excitement is so encouraging to me!
The young man I met at work inspires me with his positive attitude and radiant joy. Every day we work together, I walk away in awe of the spirit I see in him. Each week at church, I learn something and every day during my quiet time, I learn something.
Sometimes the things I learn break my heart for the world around me and sometimes they bring me joy. No matter what I’m learning, though, I’ve realized that there is always something new to discover. Someone will always know a little bit more than you, no matter how much you think you’ve got it together.
This summer has already been one of the best I’ve ever had. It seems there is something to learn everywhere I look. They always say, “Learn something new every day.” What will I learn today? What will YOU learn today?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Happy.
Tonight, my sister was teasing me about how giggly I’ve been lately (and sometimes, down in the dumps on rainy days). She insists it’s because of a boy that I may or may not have a crush on, but what she doesn’t realize is that, these days, my entire life makes me happy.
My new job is going swimmingly – I love it! Next week, I have been ensured more hours since I have a mediocre 8 this week. I am honestly disappointed in my lack of hours this week, because I actually like working. Sometimes I feel like a little girl having too much fun on the cash registers, because I love it so much. It’s great, and I can’t wait to spend more time working next week.
Another highlight of my life at the moment is the fact that I will (finally) be finishing up my study abroad project this week! Hooray!! It is coming together quite well, just so you know. I have a feeling I will be very proud of the finished product. I am still amazed that it has now been a month since we returned from Europe; most days, it still feels like a dream.
This past weekend, my best friend from high school got married, and the happy couple is celebrating on their honeymoon as we speak. I am so happy for her, because she has truly found the right guy for her. Plus, it was a beautiful wedding and reception. I am honored to have been part of the wedding party and to have made some awesome new friends!
This summer also finds me dancing again! I’ve realized that dance is an inescapable part of me and that resistance is futile. So I have joined a local dance team that performs at semi-pro football games during the summer. The girls are fantastic dancers and were kind enough to let me join them. Practice feels so good, even if I am super sore the next day. Who knows, maybe I’ll get back in shape this summer!
Summer is also allowing me the opportunity to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Last year, I experienced the greatest form of forgiveness and consequently realized there are many people in my life to whom I owe forgiveness. Holding on to those grudges has only led to misery; letting go of that pain is a rush of freedom. Facing those memories again isn’t an easy task, but opening my heart up to forgiveness (on both sides) allows healing.
It feels like this summer is a time for me to start fresh. There are new people in my life, and this time, I want to do things differently. Already these relationships are founded in something more unyielding, longer lasting. I am growing in my spirituality and feel a renewed strength in my faith each day. This summer has been so refreshing for me – I feel more like myself than ever.
So, that is why I am so happy.
A beautiful bride and her bridesmaids (minus one) on her wedding day!
My new job is going swimmingly – I love it! Next week, I have been ensured more hours since I have a mediocre 8 this week. I am honestly disappointed in my lack of hours this week, because I actually like working. Sometimes I feel like a little girl having too much fun on the cash registers, because I love it so much. It’s great, and I can’t wait to spend more time working next week.
Another highlight of my life at the moment is the fact that I will (finally) be finishing up my study abroad project this week! Hooray!! It is coming together quite well, just so you know. I have a feeling I will be very proud of the finished product. I am still amazed that it has now been a month since we returned from Europe; most days, it still feels like a dream.
This past weekend, my best friend from high school got married, and the happy couple is celebrating on their honeymoon as we speak. I am so happy for her, because she has truly found the right guy for her. Plus, it was a beautiful wedding and reception. I am honored to have been part of the wedding party and to have made some awesome new friends!
This summer also finds me dancing again! I’ve realized that dance is an inescapable part of me and that resistance is futile. So I have joined a local dance team that performs at semi-pro football games during the summer. The girls are fantastic dancers and were kind enough to let me join them. Practice feels so good, even if I am super sore the next day. Who knows, maybe I’ll get back in shape this summer!
Summer is also allowing me the opportunity to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Last year, I experienced the greatest form of forgiveness and consequently realized there are many people in my life to whom I owe forgiveness. Holding on to those grudges has only led to misery; letting go of that pain is a rush of freedom. Facing those memories again isn’t an easy task, but opening my heart up to forgiveness (on both sides) allows healing.
It feels like this summer is a time for me to start fresh. There are new people in my life, and this time, I want to do things differently. Already these relationships are founded in something more unyielding, longer lasting. I am growing in my spirituality and feel a renewed strength in my faith each day. This summer has been so refreshing for me – I feel more like myself than ever.
So, that is why I am so happy.
A beautiful bride and her bridesmaids (minus one) on her wedding day!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Days Since Europe
After one of my most productive days all summer, I feel super inspired to write a blog. The problem is, I really have nothing significant to write about, except what I’ve been doing in the days since Europe. You see, now that I’ve been to Europe, it’s all I can think about. How incredible my trip was, when I can (hopefully) go back, how soon I can print pictures… Besides that, having been to Europe suddenly gives you something in common with a LOT more people in the world. It’s been incredible. All I have to do is mention my trip and off they go: where they went in Europe, how long they were gone, what they saw, and what they wished they had seen. It’s not like I am annoyed by it, really; actually, I find it quite interesting. Who would have thought that something like a similar vacation (or study abroad) spot would yield so many conversations?
What I’ve been up to since Europe revolves around two things: my best friend from high school’s wedding and the studio’s dance recital. As soon as I got home, I was sucked into bridal shower planning, which is awesome because I have met so many incredible young women through this process. Seriously, by the time vows are said at this wedding, these girls and I will be forever friends.
I was also immediately recruited to help with dance recital, mainly because I want to teach classes at the studio this summer. What I wasn’t planning on was being drafted into three numbers of the performance! So I quickly choreographed a dance, learned another, and pulled a third from my long-term memory. This week has been full of rehearsals, since the recital is this weekend. Honestly, I am looking forward to it, since I’ve missed spending time with the little ones and dancing with them. And guess who’s teaching this summer? That’s right, this girl has a clogging and tap class PLUS a ballroom and swing class! Yes!
My productivity today started off right when I received a job offer first thing this morning – finally! Then I had a successful shopping trip for last-minute recital costumes. My evening has been spent working on my individual project for our study abroad class (told you Europe has completely consumed me!). It is coming along quite nicely, though I am looking forward to having it all done.
Tomorrow, my sister finishes middle school with an 8th grade Graduation ceremony. It’s hard to believe she will be going to high school in the fall. I am so very proud of her though. They say you follow in the footsteps of your siblings, but Jessica has far surpassed me already! Her intelligence, leadership skills, and initiative never cease to amaze me.
The process of writing out my busy schedule has shown me how much this summer already holds for me. Add Europe to the mix and the mystery of the next two months, and I have a feeling this will truly be a summer to remember…
What I’ve been up to since Europe revolves around two things: my best friend from high school’s wedding and the studio’s dance recital. As soon as I got home, I was sucked into bridal shower planning, which is awesome because I have met so many incredible young women through this process. Seriously, by the time vows are said at this wedding, these girls and I will be forever friends.
I was also immediately recruited to help with dance recital, mainly because I want to teach classes at the studio this summer. What I wasn’t planning on was being drafted into three numbers of the performance! So I quickly choreographed a dance, learned another, and pulled a third from my long-term memory. This week has been full of rehearsals, since the recital is this weekend. Honestly, I am looking forward to it, since I’ve missed spending time with the little ones and dancing with them. And guess who’s teaching this summer? That’s right, this girl has a clogging and tap class PLUS a ballroom and swing class! Yes!
My productivity today started off right when I received a job offer first thing this morning – finally! Then I had a successful shopping trip for last-minute recital costumes. My evening has been spent working on my individual project for our study abroad class (told you Europe has completely consumed me!). It is coming along quite nicely, though I am looking forward to having it all done.
Tomorrow, my sister finishes middle school with an 8th grade Graduation ceremony. It’s hard to believe she will be going to high school in the fall. I am so very proud of her though. They say you follow in the footsteps of your siblings, but Jessica has far surpassed me already! Her intelligence, leadership skills, and initiative never cease to amaze me.
The process of writing out my busy schedule has shown me how much this summer already holds for me. Add Europe to the mix and the mystery of the next two months, and I have a feeling this will truly be a summer to remember…
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